Wheels Up on an Angry Wheeler

Sometimes motivation matters.

Sportsbooks build their numbers around statistics, matchups and projections, but every once in a while, emotion becomes part of the handicap. I think that's the case with Zack Wheeler tonight.

Wheeler was publicly disappointed after being left off the National League All-Star team, and he didn't hide his frustration. Instead, he took it out on the Cincinnati Reds.

The Phillies' ace was absolutely dominant, matching a career high with 14 strikeouts while allowing just one run over seven innings. It was one of the best starts of his outstanding season and a reminder of exactly why many believed he deserved an All-Star selection.

After the game, Wheeler made his feelings clear.

"I felt that was a reminder for whoever needs to be reminded," he said.

That doesn't sound like a pitcher who's ready to take his foot off the gas.

It sounds like someone with something to prove.

Wheeler has been one of the best pitchers in baseball all season, entering tonight with a 9-1 record and a sparkling 2.28 ERA. More importantly for this wager, he's consistently worked deep into games. Wheeler has recorded at least six full innings in 11 of his last 13 starts, making him one of the most dependable workhorses in the game.

That's exactly what we're looking for.

To cash this ticket, we need Wheeler to record 18 outs, or six complete innings. Given his recent workload, his efficiency and the motivation he's carrying into this start, I like those chances.

Elite pitchers often respond when they feel overlooked, and Wheeler already showed us exactly how he plans to answer the critics.

The market is asking him to do something he's done in nearly every recent outing. Add in the extra motivation from the All-Star snub, and I think this is one of the stronger player props on the board.

The play: Zack Wheeler Over 17.5 Outs Recorded.

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